Electric contact device.



G. L. LANG.

ELECTRIC CONTACT DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC-1i] 914- 1,182,020. I Patented May 9,1916.

Fig. 5.

WITNESSES IN VEN TOR.

W GEE/56E L. LANG.

W 30k ATTORN Y.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE L. LANG, OF NEWARK. NEW JERSEY. ASSIGNOR TO SPLITDOR-E ELECTRICAL COMPANY, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.

ELECTRIC CONTACT DEVICE.

Application filed December 31,1914.

"the operation of the means for producing these current nnpulses must be regular and uniform. to obtain a maximum result. I A further ob ect of my invention 1s to provide a means for making and breaking an electric circuit in such a manner that the timeof contact is practically the same. for all speeds of the engine.

A further object of my invention is to provide a vmeans for overcoming "backfires on a reverse motion of the engine.

I am aware that various attempts have been ina'de heretofore to accomplish these results but my invention herein described seeks to overcome the diiliculties which I have encountered on such devices and at the same time produce a structure which is simple and easv to manufacture.

Other and further. objects of my invention will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, wherein:

Figure l is a plan view showing my improved form of 'mechanism mounted on a suitable plate or case forthe purpose of applying same to an internal combustion engine. Fig. 2 shows the operating mechanism of Fig. 1 in a; slightly different position. Fig. 3 is a view of one of the movable elements of my contact mechanism.

These. parts will now be particularly described. reference being had to the drawing,

' in which similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the various figures thereon. I

1 is the timer or contact case which carries the moving mechanism; Attached to the case 1 is a lever 2. to which the usual timing rod running to the steering wheel is at tached.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 9,1216.

Serial No. 879,815.

. 3 illustrates the spring clips used for engagm g retannng studs mounted 1n the usual distributer block and said retaining studs pass through holes 25 of the case 1. The distributer block forms no part of my present invention and since it is a well known piece of apparatus it need not be further (10-- the purpose of receiving a co-acting member in a distributing finger. which finger distributes a high tension current to the various points of the above mentioned distributer block. The cam r has noses p, and as illustrated. there are four in number. the contact device being suitable for a four cylinder engine. the cam i turning at cam shaft speed.

A movable member 21 is pivoted by screw or other means. to the case 1. X0. 21 has two arms. a and 7). Arm (l is preferably shorter than Z) and has its end 30 turned slightly downward. Extending between the arms and Z is a spacing member 29. which also used to act as a support or stiffening agent between the two arms. The member 29 is held in place b v a rive or an other suitable means. The cam 1 serves as a stop for the arm I) after it slides off the nose .2 of the cam under the tension of member ll. which is fastened to the arm Z) at one end and to stud 31. attached to the case 1 atthe other. Pivoted on stud 27 is a second movable part 15. one end 6 being reduced. or relatively thin. The other end (7 being enlarged. or relatively thick. Member 15 is held in place on the stud by a cotter-pin 28. An insulating piece 19 is alsoattached to end 7. Fastened to the case 1 is a stud and attached to this stud by a suitable means. such as a screw- 23 is a resilient member 18. one end of which normally rests on the insulating member 19. Fastened to the member 18 bv any suitable means, such as rivets ll is a flexible member 17. to which is attached a contact 18. Mounted on case 1 and insulated therefrom in any suitable manner is a contact post 7. which carries an adjustable screw 8 on one end of which is mounted a contact 12. The adjustment of the screw S is held b v .screw 11. the end of the stud being slotted in a well known n 1an ner. so that the screw 11 can draw the two slotted portions together, thereby gripping the screw 8. I also preferably insulate the stud 33 from the frame 1 so that the electrical circuit, which will now be described,

is not grounded as some systems are desired to be operated without any ground in their storage battery, which is the source of supply for the ignition circuit. In case the contact is to be used with a grounded system the stud 7, a control switch beinginterposed in the usual manner. The opposite end of the battery is connected by wire 10 to stud 33 and it is thus seen that when the contacts 12- and 13 are closed current will flow through the primary circuit and when the contacts 12 and 13 are open, the primary current will induce a high .tension current in the secondary of the induction coil in a well known manner, Y

26' is anoiler for the driving shaft.

Fig.2 shows the operating pait's of my contact devicejust before the arm b-of the movable member 21 drops oft" the nose 7). In this position, the member 15 is against its stop 16, and there is a slight clearance between the nose 30 of the arm a, and the end'c of member 15. As soon as the arm 6 drops ofi' the nose p, the arm a hits the end c'of member 15 a sharp blow, forcing the end (1 upward, lifting the resilient member 18 suddenly, and allowing contact 13 to engage contact 12. The sudden movement of the member 18 upward allows its hooked end to move out of contact. with the flexible member 17 and on the return movement of the resilient member 18. the hooked end engages the flexiblemember l7 sharply and snaps apart the contacts Hand 13. The operation of closing and opening contacts 12 and 13 is thus rendered substantially uniform and independent of the speed of rotation of the cam at. Should cam 1 rotate in a reverse direction, the nose 7) pushes against the end of the arm 1), thereby moving the member 21 to the left or right according to the design, the same being guided by the guide 20 and the nose 30 of arm 6 merely slides on the end 0 of the member 15 without rotatably moving the same; consequently the contacts 12 and 13 are not closed during the reversed motion of the cam-4 and a back fire is thus impossible.

Numerous changes and alteration will be apparent to one skilled 'in the art, therefore I do not wish to be limited to the exact construction shown and described.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a contact device of the character described, two-independent rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for increasing the tension on one of said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member has reached its maximum, said first member being substantially U shaped, as described.

2. In a contact device of the character described, two independent rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for increasing the tension on one of said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member has reached its maximum, said first member being substantially U- shaped with one arm longer than the other, for the purpose described.

3. In a contact device of the character described, two independent rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for increasing the tension on one of said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member has reached its maximum, said first member being substantially U shaped and pivoted at the bend or union of the two arms, as described,

4. In a contact-device of the character described, two independent rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for increasing the tension 'on oneof said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member hasreached its'maximum, said first member being substantially U shaped, said second member being relatively than at one end and thick atthe other, as described.

5 In a contact device of the charapter described. two independent rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for'increasing the tension on one of said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member has reached its maximum, said first member being substantially U- shaped, said second member being relatively thin at one end and thick at the other, said thin end being adapted to work. between the arms of the U shaped member.

6. In a contact device of the character described. two independent-rotatable members, tension devices therefor, means for increasing the tension on one of said members by a displacement thereof, means for increasing the tension on the other of said members after the tension on the first member has reached its maximum, said first member being substantially U shaped with one'arm longer than the other, said second member being relatively thin at one end and thick at the other, said thin end being adapted to work between the two U- shaped arms of the first member whereby the said short arm is included in the means for applying tension'to the said second member.

7. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a movable memher, a tension device therefor, a cam adapted to displace said member and of itself to elfect its release and return, said movable member being U shaped and pivoted at its bend and means operated by the return movement of said member to first close and then open a circuit' 8. In a contact device of the character de scribed, the combination of a movable memher, .a tension device therefor, a cam adapted to displace said member and of itself to effect its release and return, said movable member being U shaped and pivoted at its bend, one of the arms of the U shaped members being shorter than the other and means operated by said short arm onits return movement to first close and then open a circuit.

9. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a movable member, a tension device therefor, a cam adapted to displace said member and of itself to effect its release and return, said mov able member being U shaped and pivoted at its bend and means, including a member relatively thin at one end and thick at the other, operated on by the return movement of said member to first close and then open a circuit.

10. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of amovable member, a tension device therefor, a cam adapted to displace said member and of itself to effect its release and return, said movable member being U shaped and pivoted at its bend and means, including a member rela tively thin at one end and thick at the other, said thin end extending between the two arms of the U shaped member and operated on by one of said arms on its return movement to open and close a circuit.

11. In a contact device of th character described, the combination of a movable U shaped memberand a tension device there for, a cam adapted to engage one of the arms of the U shaped member to displace both thereof, means engaged by the other of said arms on its return movement to both close and open a circuit.

12. In a contact device ofthe Character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member pivoted at the bend of the U and having one arm shorter than the other, a tension device attached to the long arm of the U, a cam adapted to operate on said long arm to displace both thereof, means including a member relatively thin at one end and thick at the other engaged by said shorterarm on its return movement to both close and open a circuit.

13. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a movable U shaped member and a tension device therefor, a cam adapted to engage one of the arms of the U shaped member to displace both thereof, a spacing member between the arms of the U shaped member and means engaged by the other of said arms on its return movement to both close and open a circuit.

14. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of two movable members, tension devices therefor, a cam adapted to displace one of said members, means for effecting its release, one of said members being U, shaped, the other of said members having one end thereof in the path of one of the arms of said U shaped member on its. return movement, whereby the end of said second member is struck a sharp blow. thereby suddenly closing and opening a contact.

15. In a-contact device of the character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member, a tension device and a stop therefor, a second movable member being thinner at one end than the other, a tension device and stop therefor, one arm of the U shaped member engaging the thinner end of the second member and serving to hold said second member off its stop when said arm is against its own stop. as described.

16. In a contact device of the character described. the combination of a U shaped movable member, a tension device and stop therefor, a second movable member and a tension device and stop therefor. one of the arms of the U shaped member when against its stop serving to hold said second member 01? its stop against the action of its tension device, a cam for displacing both arms of the U shaped member and elfecting thereleaso thereof. whereby the second member is allowed to come against its top and is then suddenlv removed therefrom by one arm of the U shaped member.

1'7. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member. a tension device and a rotatable stop therefor. one of the arms of the U shaped member when against its stop serving to hold said second member off its stop against the action of its tension device. a cam acting on one arm of the U shaped member to displace both arms thereof. and effect their release \vherebvthe second member is allowed to come against its stop and then suddenlvremoved therefrom by the other arm of said U shaped member, said arms having a spacing member therebetween. as described.

18. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of acontact and a. cooperative contact member a movable member under tension normally at one end ot its path. said movable member being sub- 'stantiallv U shaped, means for displacing both arms of said U shaped member to the opposite end of: their path of travel against the action of said tension member, a second movable member adapted to be operated on by one of the arms of said first movable member to move said second member to cause it to move said contact member into engagement with said contact.

19. In a contact device of the character described, a movable member, a tension device therefor, a stop for limiting movement of said member in one direction, means for displacing said member, said means also serving to release said member. a resilient member mounted independent of other m0v-' able members,- a second movable member enlarged at one end and reduced at the other and adapted to co-act with said first member on its return to act on the resilient member to close and open a circuit.

20. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member, atension device attached to oneof the arms of the U shaped member, a rotatable stop for limiting the movement of said arm in one direction, means for displacing said arm, said means also serving to efiect the release of said arm, a sup-' port extending between said arms of the U' shaped member. a second movable contact member having one end in working relation between said arms. a resilient member adapted to be acted on-by said second movable member when the same is engaged by one of the U shaped arms on its return movement, whereby a contact is closed and opened. e

21. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member. a tension device therefor, a stop for limiting the movement of said member in one direction. means for displacing both arms of the U shaped member, said means also serving to effect. the release and return of said armsin the same direction that they were displaced. a spring contact element independently supported, a second mo 'able member independent and disconnected from the first movable member but having one end extending between said arms of the firstmovable member. the other end being normally engaged by the spring contact element-whereby the return movement of one of said arms acts on the second movable member to cause the spring contact element to close and open a circuit.

22. In a contact device. the combination of a U shaped movable member. a tension device therefor. a second movable member having one end extending within the arms of the U shaped member, the other end having an insulating block mounted thereon, an adjustable contact. a resilient member fixed at one end, the other end being hooked and resting on said insulating block, a flexible element carried by said resilient member and having a contact, a cam for displacing and releasing said U shaped member, whereby the return movement of said U shaped member acts 011 said second movable member to close and open said contacts.

23. In a contact device, a U shaped movable member. a tension device therefor,

means for displacing and releasing said able member normally under tension at one end of its path. a second movable member having a relatively thin end extending between the arms of said U shaped member and in contact with the upper of said arms, an independent resilient member carrying a flexible element having a contact. a fixed contact. said second movable member having a relatively thick end with an insulating piece mounted thereon. said resilient member adapted to rest on said insulating piece, whereby said second member is under a balanced tension, means for displacing said first movable member whereby said second movable member is then under the tension of the resilient member only, said displacing means also serving to release said first member from its displaced position to cause the upper arm of said member to act on the second movable member to close and open a circuit.

' 25. In a contact device, a U shaped movable member. a tension device therefor. means for displacing said member, said means also serving to ell'cct the release and return of said member in the same path that it was displaced, a second movable member having one end reduced. and extending within the arms of the U shaped member and coacting with the return of one of said arms. a contact carrying member independent of both movable members, a stationary contact co-act-ing therewith to make and break a. circuit. one arm of said U shaped member being slightly curved and normally resting on one end of said second movable member. whereby said arm slides on the end of said second movable member when said dis placing means travels in a reverse direction arms of saidmember, a tension device at-" tachedto one of said arms, means acting on oneogf said arms for the displacing of both of said arms, the same means also serving 'to effect the release of said arm from its displaced position, a second movable member independent from and co-acting with one of said arms on its return movement to cause a contact to be both made and broken, one of said arms adaptedto 'move laterally when the displacing means travels in a reverse direction, whereby a contact is prevented substantially as described.

27. in a contact device, a fixed contact, a U shafped movable member, a tension device there or, a stop for limiting the movement of said member in one direction, means for displacing said member to increase-the tension thereon, said displacing means also serving as a releasin means, a second movable member adapte to be operated on by said first-movable member, a resilient member having a flexible element carrying a contact, saideresilient member adapted to be moved by said second movable member to close said contacts when acted-on bv said first movable member, said U shaped member adapted to be moved laterally when said displacing means travels in a reverse direction, whereby the said contacts are not closed, substantially as described.

28. In a contact device, a fixed contact, a U shaped movable member a tension device attached to one arm thereoi, a rotatable stop limiting the movement. of said member m 7 00,10: 9! till! Intent my be obtained for 'ment carrying one direction, means for advancing said member to increase the tension thereon, said advancing means also serving as a releasing means, a'resilient member carrying a flexible contact element, and a contact thereon, a second movable member adapted to be operated 'on one end by one of t e arms of said U shaped member, and its other end acting on said resilient member to close and open the said contacts when said first movable member is released after being displaced and a guide for one of the arms of said U shaped member whereby said arm is guided thereon when said advancing means travels in a reverse direction, substantially as described.

29. In a contact device of the character described, the combination of a U shaped movable member, a tension device and a stop therefor, a second movable member being thinner at one end than at the other a resilient member. independent of the said two movable members and having a flexible elea contact, an adjustable contact, said resilient member also as a tension device acting on the thick en of said second movable member, said thin end of said second movable member being engaged by one of the arms of said U shaped member whereby the said second movable member is normally held ofi its top when said U shaped member is against its stop.

In testimony whereof, I have afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE L. LANG. In the presence of- HELEN B. POOLE, M. W. ,BARTLETT.

five cents each, by addressing the commitment of Intent, Washington, D. 0. 

